PLAYER OF THE WEEK

July 10, 2014

Munzee Player of the Week: John Boksteyn (Jobok)

All it takes is one cap and you’re a player for life, at least that’s what we at Munzee continue to hear time and time again. Whether you’ve played geo-location games for a long time or a friend randomly told you about it , Munzee is addictive from first scan. This week’s Player of the Week is John Boksteyn (Jobok) and like many of our players it just took a random munzer sighting to get him hooked. Read on to get to know a bit more about Jobok and his Munzee “obsession.”

Who are you?
John Boksteyn (Jobok)

Where in the world do you live?
I live in Medicine Hat, Alberta Canada with my wife Deidra (Deedster) and own two Rovers, Stella & Steve.

How long have you played Munzee?
I have been playing, no, make that obsessed with Munzee for about a year and a half now, so 602 days.

How did you discover Munzee?
I was driving in Redcliff (A small community just outside of Medicine Hat) and spotted one of my buddies beside the road walking in circles. I stopped to check it out. He was searching for a Munzee. It was a new game he had heard about so I joined in and together we found the 1st of four that existed in the area. That is all it took to get me hooked. Currently there are over 7,500 Munzees in the Medicine Hat area.

What do you enjoy most about Munzee?
I like capping, deploying, clans, specials and badges. I really like everything about the game. It’s really fun getting outside and having a goal. Anywhere you go, there’s a Munzee nearby and if there isn’t, there will will be.

What is on your wish list?
European Vacation!!! MUNZEE STYLE!!

Tell us about yourself!
I was born and raised in Medicine Hat and I’m still here! I work as an Electrical Lineman for a local utility company. I am married to my wonderful wife Deidra (Deedster) and we have four grown children and one awesome grandson, Cahleb!
We recently became the owners to two little Jack Russell Terriers (Rovers) who’s names are Stella and Steve who we hope to take on the trail with us wherever the game leads us.

What are some of your other hobbies?
– Caching
– Sturgeon Fishing in British Columbia
– Driving Deedster insane =)

I’d like to say a special “Thank You” to those who nominated me for Player of the Week!!

Jobok was kind enough to share his social, so cap away!

If you know a player that should be nominated for Munzee Player of the Week, shoot us a message at iLoveYou@Munzee.com and let us know just why this person is outstanding in the global Munzee community!

-Please note, this is a super active campaign. We may not be able to get back to everyone, but you’re helping to grow the list of amazing people in the Munzee community!

July 3, 2014

Munzee Player of the Week: Helge Jans (JansEgal)

As the Munzee community continues to grow our players are taking the initiative to advance the game on their own. Player organized events are becoming increasingly popular and this week’s Player of the Week is continuing the trend. Helge Jans (JansEgal) is helping organize the “Hummel Hummel Munzee Event” in Hamburg, Germany at the end of August and his excitement and dedication to the game is obvious. Read on for more about Helge and how he hopes events like this will continue to introduce more new players to the game and current players to each other.

Who are you?
My name is Helge Jans, most of you know me as JansEgal from the “Freaky Munzee Clan.”

Where in the world do you live?
I live in Northern Germany, very close to Hamburg, one of the world’s Munzee capitals. I’m lucky to have my office in the heart of this beautiful city – close to the hot spots main station and Binnenalster with new virtuals every day. Because many of my lunch breaks are Munzee breaks my dear colleague Radwanderer has become a Munzer, too.

How long have you played Munzee?
This summer it’s two years that I‘m addicted to Munzee.

How did you find Munzee?
Two years ago we had a BBQ in our garden. While I stood at the barbecue a friend came to me with two bottles of beer and his latest crazy notion (his words!). He told me of the game and before the steaks were prepared I had downloaded the app and subscribed to Munzee. I remember he was very proud to have already achieved more than 4,000 points! He was sure that I had no chance to catch up with him. Today it takes a few minutes to achieve 4,000 points but in those days of Munzee it took me months to catch up with him.

What do you enjoy most about Munzee?
I enjoy seeing parts of cities that I would have never seen without Munzee. For example the Port of Hamburg. Hamburg has one oft he largest harbors in Europe, but usually you do not walk on the streets between cranes and warehouses. While playing Munzee I found there a lot of nice spots with a fantastic view of the town.

Tell us about yourself!
I am 43 years old and when I‘m not on a Munzee trail I’m running a mail order business for high quality dog accessories (www.DogsFinest.de). Two more webshops with horse accessories and with products for people with allergies will follow this year. A lot of work, but I always hope to have enough time to capture some Munzees.

What are some of your other hobbies?
The only other hobby that I can reconcile with playing Munzee is traveling with my family. In April this year for example I visited Angel Stadium in Anaheim and became the proud owner of the Motel @Fisherman’s Wharf San Francisco. One of the greatest advantages of Munzee is that we can play it all over the world.

What is on your wish list?
I wish to meet many players from all over the world in Hamburg. We are currently planning the Hummel Hummel Munzee Event 2014 in Hamburg which takes place from August 29-31. It’s a great opportunity to visit the most beautiful city and some of the hottest Munzee spots in the world!

Please visit our homepage: http://hhme2014.munzee.me/

More information:
http://calendar.munzee.com/HHME1/
http://calendar.munzee.com/HHME/
http://calendar.munzee.com/Hummel/

JansEgal was kind enough to share his social with us, so cap away!

-Please note, this is a super active campaign. We may not be able to get back to everyone, but you’re helping to grow the list of amazing people in the Munzee community!

June 26, 2014

Munzee Player of the Week: Roderick Howie (rodz)

As Munzee approaches it’s third birthday celebration we like to look back on our humble beginnings. Although we now have more than 165,000 players, we wouldn’t be where we are now without our first loyal followers. One of those players has continued to be a staple in his community across the pond. We’re proud to announce that Roderick Howie (rodz) is this week’s Player of the Week. Rodz, who was Munzee’s 150th player to join, also celebrates his third Munzee birthday today (June 26th) so scroll down to learn a bit more about the Brit.

Who are you?
Funnily enough I am Rodz in real life too – although my given name is Roderick Howie I get called all sorts of things. MHQ side of the pond I often get called Howie but that was my school name.

Where in the world do you live?
I am fortunate to live in London here in Blighty. I think it is one of the most amazing cities in the world, so culturally rich and so ethnically diverse. It is a double-edged Longsword that there are relatively few other Munzeers here as I have been able to accumulate a lot of prime real estate. The downside of that being the recent introduction of activity points and number of captures. Those that know me know my motto is “deploy, deploy and deploy some more!”

How long have you played Munzee?
Over 1086 days – I had to borrow my brother’s iPhone to deploy my first as the Android version hadn’t been released yet. I think that was 26th June 2011.

How did you find Munzee?
I usually find the app is the easiest way to find Munzees, but did start out with a Garmin unit too. Hehe! I think I first heard about it on an unnameable forum that also involves the use of a GPS receiver.

What do you enjoy most about Munzee?
I love the spontaneity and innovation, to just fire up the app and off I go. The team is amazing at bringing new ideas to the game (and getting money out of my pocket). The clan wars bring a lot of interaction with other players and an extra twist in strategy. I enjoy surprising unsuspecting local cappers – be warned – and love watching points roll in at home from cap ons!

What is on your wish list?
Apart from a Ferrari, I would like to see the ability to use QR codes found in public to be Munzeed! So that permanent QR code at the bus stop could be converted to a Munzee. I would also like to see the removal of special (bought) Munzees being auto-archived for premium members. Oh and maybe change the event background pic to be something better that a bin/trash can shot!

Tell us about yourself!
I’m a 51 year old Brit (although born in Scotland on April Fool’s Day – yay more birthday wishes next year!) and a counsellor. That combo means talking about myself is less familiar (British reserve and self disclosure) and a bit embarrassing haha! AND I am still working on my addiction to Munzee.

What are some of your other hobbies include?
Cycling to Munzees, going on holiday where there are plenty of Munzees, etc. You get the drift! A big thanks to all that nominated me (you know who you are – MHQ can get some rest now) and all the contributors to the various rings that I have set up in the capital. I love the community spirit of Munzee.

Rod was kind enough to share his social with us, so cap away!

June 19, 2014

Munzee Player of the Week: Douglas Lynch (5daughters)

The key to Munzee is networking, making connections throughout our global community of players. But it’s not just networking with friends around the world, Munzee strengthens the bonds within your own family! Marana, AZ isn’t exactly a Munzee hotspot, however, this does not stop Douglas Lynch (5daughters) and family from “growing the map” and growing the game wherever they can! The incredible growth and deployments of the Lynch family are why Munzee spreads so quickly. They’re an inspiration to players living in their own “Marana” – grow the map, and make your mark in the Munzee world! Scroll down and get to know 5daughters, this week’s Player of the Week:

Where in the world do you live?
I live Northwest of Tucson in Marana, AZ.

How long have you played Munzee?
My account shows 603 days old, but I didn’t do any until the middle of last December when I opened the app and saw the christmas specials on it. After that it was go, go, go.

How did you find Munzee?
A friend of mine told me and my wife about this crazy game almost two years ago at a gathering. We looked into it and downloaded the app, but there wasn’t much around then and we promptly forgot about it. Now we’re hooked though.

What do you enjoy most about Munzee?
What I enjoy most is the competition in the clan wars. The clan I am on is currently shooting for a top three finish this month. We’re keeping our fingers crossed and hoping for the best, but some of the clans are really tough and it’s a fight.

I also enjoy the badges and specials and I love to see new ones added.

Another aspect I really enjoy is getting outside with my wife and three of my daughters and having fun with them. Without their support the game wouldn’t be nearly as fun and exciting.

What is on your wish list?
To get more Munzee players to come capture our area. We have created a virtual garden at the University of Arizona and are in the process of putting out 1000 mystery munzees along with a bunch of weapons to entice people to the area. Currently my family is about the only active players for almost 100 miles around.

Tell us about yourself!
My family is the most important thing to me. I am one of the luckiest guys out there to have a great wife who is supportive of the crazy things I get us into. We have five daughters, three of which are very active munzers, one of them was able to make it to level 100 on her 100th day. Not bad for a 12 year old lol.

If you have seen some of the stuff I post on the FB groups, you will know that I like to make people laugh. For me, laughter is what makes life fun. Although in person I am a pretty reserved individual until I get to know you, then I am more like my online persona. I am a locomotive engineer which allows me to have a pretty good amount of time between trips to Munzee.

Other hobbies include;
We love the outdoors, we kayak, hike and camp when we can. We also love to travel, going different places is very high on our list of priorities.

Douglas was kind enough to share his social with us, so cap away!

-Please note, this is a super active campaign. We may not be able to get back to everyone, but you’re helping to grow the list of amazing people in the Munzee community!

June 12, 2014

Munzee Player of the Week: Don Abreu (DerbyGuy)

Munzee is so much more than a 21st century scavenger hunt. It’s a chance to explore the beauty of the outdoors, a test to your senses and ability to notice tiny details and most of all it’s a rich community of players that help build something no one ever thought possible. This week’s Player of the Week, is Don (DerbyGuy) who like many Munzee players had to help build a local following. Don finds time for Munzee in between work, but he can’t wait for retirement so he and his dog Zoey can take their Munzee adventure even further. Read below to get to know Don a bit better:

Where in the world do you live?

I live in Redcliff Alberta Canada

How long have you played Munzee?

As of today I’ve been active 605 days. I’ll definitely be renewing December 3 of this year, Most likely sooner.

How did you find Munzee?

Like most of us I was browsing around for caching apps. I downloaded the app, checked it out, but when I looked at the map I had to zoom out, and then zoomed out again. I had to laugh, the closest Munzee was over 100 miles away! So I thought to myself, this could be a new thing to try. I went to Munzee site and had a look and I was hooked. I bought a pack of the first magnetics. Emailed a few friends and let them know to keep an eye out for a new game in town! And wow we have around 7000+ local now!

What do you enjoy most about Munzee?

The points has to be the clincher. It wasn’t long after I started playing that there were limited time specials on the map and that did it for me, and I think everyone here too. It became very competitive for all of us!

What is on your wish list?

I would have to say I’m looking forward to Munzee’s third birthday in July. Maybe something like a special triple layer cake where you cap three times and then it bounces off? Hint hint hint!!

Tell us about yourself!

I am 46, but not much to tell. I have worked 27 years at Goodyear manufacturing now. Single guy, with a faithful companion Zoey, a Lab-Sharpei mix. I’m looking forward to retirement in 2017 and my big mission after that is to go to California to meet the most of the fellow players. Maybe score 200,000 points lol? I love spending time with all of you in groups, Munzee madness and rookie Munzee club, which is almost at 100 members now! I enjoy trying to help new players see the fun and answer as many questions to get them all out there to grow the world!

What are some of your other hobbies?

I have done caching and used to be into demolition derbies. Now Munzee has to be my favorite thing to do in my spare time. It gets you out an about to enjoy the air, see the sights and meet a few of the other players. I have been seeing a few new names on my feed. Very impressed!

Don was kind enough to share his social with us, so cap away!

-Please note, this is a super active campaign. We may not be able to get back to everyone, but you’re helping to grow the list of amazing people in the Munzee community!

June 4, 2014

Munzee Player of the Week: Christoph (c-bn)

The story is a common one here at Munzee: Someone hears about a “new geolocation game” only to see very few munzees in their location, but before long, due to the hard work and dedication of our players, the game grows to new heights. Like many players before him, Christoph (c-bn) has helped expand Munzee in his area and developed a love for the game. Although his family, work and Munzee leave little time for other hobbies, Christoph is happy to dedicate himself to such a wide, supportive community. The combination of exercise and gadgetry are some of Christoph’s favorite things about the game, but don’t take our word for it. Read below to get to know Christoph a bit better:

Where in the world do you live?
I live in Bonn, the former capital of Germany, and that’s my username: “c” for Christoph and “bn” is the shortcut on our license plate.

How long have you played Munzee?
My account age is 1,000 days. I found and captured my first munzee on October 11, 2011. My first deploy was November 13, 2011.

How did you find Munzee?
I read something about a new geolocation game in an internet forum. It sounded very interesting to me, but unfortunately there were no munzees around me! So I forgot about it for a couple of weeks until I captured my first munzee on a trip to Hamburg. In October 2011 there were just three greenies, but have a look to the Binnenalster today!

It took a while to become really obsessed, but once infected my passion grew rapidly.
The first big thing I remember was the “walk the Rhine,” the first power-trail in the Cologne/Bonn area created by ReMiKu. In spring 2012 we had never met, but there were afternoons he deployed on the South end and I captured on the North end of the trail. This was an interaction I enjoyed very much.

In the very beginning of getting contact to the international community I created one of the first munzee art. We coordinated and deployed virtuals to build the premium member star. Think of a huge green meadow with nothing but the star. Today it is accompanied by many other VMs and MVMs.

What do you enjoy most about Munzee?
Munzee is a great opportunity to go outside and have fun! I like the combination of walking/exercise, gadgetry and points. As an early bird I know Munzee from the very beginning! I love the evolution of the game! I love the unexpected! I love specials! I love badges! I love statistics! I love double-point-weekends! I love a 3,500 pts. blast! I love the #SuperChuck! I love the Top3 – but I have to leave within the next few days :-/ Greetings to zeusi!

And – of course! – I love my Clan COLOGNE! My friends: It’s a joyful honor to be part of this clan!

The interaction with many other people, locally to grow the map, or worldwide to trade socials, talk about the game on FB and so on — all that is my pleasure, too! I’m looking forward to the upcoming events in Cologne and Hamburg!

What is on your wish list?
We were very spoiled with dafis Statzee. After the integration in Munzee.com most I miss is the section with all the clusters in the world. How many RMH do we have in Cologne? I don’t know and I can’t count them. I’m sure, Statzee will expand more and more.

Tell us about yourself!
I’m 40 years old, married, have two sons (7 and 5 years old). And I’m addicted to munzee!
I try my very best to infect my family with this enthusiasm. They all have their own accounts, but … 😉 My specialty is to deploy munzees unreachable for some players. It’s not my bad intent, it’s just because of my body size. I’m 2.02 meters (6 ft 7 in) tall and sometimes I look around, searching for the best place to stick a minizee and forget my dear fellow players that have trouble to reach my deploys. Some journal entries remind me — and I vow to improve!

What are some of your other hobbies?
This question is a joke, isn’t it? I’m addicted to munzee — no time for another hobby! The rest of my time is family, sleeping, working.

Is there anyone you would like to thank?

I thank the people who nominated me to the POTW.
I thank all the members of the MHQ for this game and all the fun it brings to my life.
I thank my parents, without whom I would not be at the world.

Yours faithfully,

Christoph
c-bn

Christoph was kind enough to share his social with us, so cap away loyal Munzers!If you know a player that should be nominated for Munzee Player of the Week, shoot us a message at iLoveYou@Munzee.com and let us know just why this person is outstanding in the global Munzee community!

-Please note, this is a super active campaign. We may not be able to get back to everyone, but you’re helping to grow the list of amazing people in the Munzee community!

May 29, 2014

Munzee Player of the Week: Brad Bond (NativeTexan)

A relatively new face on the scene, this week’s Player of the Week has quickly won the hearts of the community, and Team Munzee. Passionate about geo-location games, and supportive of his local Munzee community! You can find his smiling, upbeat personality shining on Facebook and around the web, and you can also contribute to his very exciting garden near Munzee Headquarters! This week’s Player of the week is Brad Bond, aka, NativeTexan. Read below to learn more about our newest enthusiastic Player of the Week!

Who are you?
My name is Brad Bond. Actually Brad is my middle name. My first name is James. And yes, I hear all the jokes about being James Bond! In the Munzee world, I’m NativeTexan.

Where in the world do you live?
I live in Denison, TX. It is about 45 minutes due North of Munzee Headquarters and is on the Texas/Oklahoma border. Some people might recognize the town because it is the same town Trish lives.

How long have you played Munzee?
I have only been playing since the end of January, 2014. But it only took me a day or two to become totally hooked! Two days after I signed up for an account, I went premium.

How did you find Munzee?
I heard about it on Facebook from a caching page. Someone posted a question about Munzee and my immediate comment was, “What is Munzee?” I googled the term and found Munzee.com and after looking through the website and then seeing the map, I was amazed at the number of Munzees in this small town. I downloaded the app to my phone and went to find my first Munzee. I also joined some Munzee Facebook pages and started asking questions. I decided to join a clan two days later but I joined a laid back one since I wasn’t sure what all the clan stuff was about. Then on the second month I decided to join a clan that wanted to go for the Chuck and we made it! If I wasn’t totally hooked before then, that did it for me.

What do you enjoy most about Munzee?
I really enjoy getting outside but I have to admit, I am hooked on the points, badges and clan weapons! One thing I am really excited about is going to my first Munzee Bash. I remember reading all the fun stuff about MMIII and seeing the pictures of everyone who attended. I’m looking forward to going to something like that. Another thing that I really love about this game is the interaction between players and the MHQ staff. Everyone is so friendly and helpful and I was amazed how much the MHQ team interacts with the players on social media. I remember the day that my daughter and I decided to make the short trip to MHQ to meet the team. I wasn’t sure if it was appropriate just to walk in but we were greeted with open arms. That was a fun day for us.

What is on your wish list?
It is hard for me to say that I have a wish list since I am pretty new to this great game. But, I think for me I want to make sure I get more “special” icons in my list of icons. Of course, I really want the get the 10K and Centurion Badges. That is my goal for now.

Tell us about yourself!
I was born and raised in Texas. I have lived there all my life except for 5 years I spent in Summerville, SC. I really loved living there but was very glad to get back to Texas. I have four children, all of whom are adults and one granddaughter who is almost 5 and lives about 20 minutes from me. I have two boys who live in Texas and one son who lives in New York. My fourth is my only daughter. She is the oldest of all four. She and I live together and have for a few years. About 2 years ago she decided to try and adopt so we became a foster home. We have had 3 placements in our home for a total of 4 kids. The little girl we have now is 6 years old and she it totally hooked on Munzee! Every time we go into a store she starts turning bottles and packages around looking for QR codes. When she sees one she yells out, “here is a Munzee, scan it”. Not realizing that every QR code is not necessarily a Munzee, I humor her. I open the app and scan the code. She is disappointed when the buzzer sounds and it is not a Munzee. When we are out actually Munzeeing, her favorite thing is asking, “how many points did you get?”, after she hears the ding!

But fostering can be a great thing. We know we are helping out some kids that need help at that time in their lives. They are so young and their world has been turned upside down. It is rewarding but as you can imagine it is hard as well. Sometimes you really get attached to these kids and then they end up going back home. It can rip your heart out at times.

Other hobbies include;
Like a lot of Munzeers I also enjoy caching. But when the weather is nice I really enjoy fishing! I live just a couple of miles from Lake Texoma, which is one of the best Striper fishing lakes in the country. I absolutely love getting on top of a school of stripers that are feeding on the surface. Every cast lands a nice fish! But now that I have discovered Munzeeing I have a feeling the fishing will have to wait each month until I meet the clan requirements!

NativeTexan was awesome enough to share his Social with us. Cap it today!

-Please note, this is a super active campaign. We may not be able to get back to everyone, but you’re helping to grow the list of amazing people in the Munzee community!

May 22, 2014

Munzee Player of the Week: Jay Piper (ThePiedPiper)

Co-creator of the Franklin Gardens in the US, a force to be reckoned with in the forums, and just a generally awesome guy with a true sense of Southern Hospitality when you visit the lovely “Munzee lands” of Tennessee! This week’s player of the week is one of the most well-known American players, and has been in the spotlight big time this year with the Franklin Munzee Bash! Let’s all welcome Jay Piper (ThePiedPiper) to the Player of the Week club!

Check out his interview below:

Who are you? ThePiedPiper AKA Jay Piper

Where in the world do you live? Spring Hill, TN, USA (15 miles from The Franklin Garden)

How long have you played Munzee? Just hit 1,000 days on April 27, 2014. I signed up on August 1^st 2011!

How did you find Munzee?

Southpaw introduced me to Munzee on our way home from the Midwest Geobash in Wauseon Ohio. I signed up, created 10 Munzees, deployed 4 (all still active and in original laminated business card laminate) and then didn’t do much with it. One year later at MWGB 2012, I tracked down all of the deploys in the area and capped all of them. That’s when I was truly hooked, I started capping and deploying on a daily basis after that. The game had evolved so much within that time period making it much easier to play.

What do you enjoy most about Munzee?

I can’t say I have one thing I enjoy most, as there are so many. One of the best things is enjoying time with the friends, Tammy (TheRealGigi) and I now call our extended family. We try to hang out at least once a week to deploy and cap together in order to expand the Franklin, TN Garden. I will admit I am extremely competitive so I enjoy following their progress in scoring. The Clan Wars have also made each month more exciting, challenging and keeps the game interesting for me. Fortunately, I belong to a clan (Phoenix Rising) willing to work hard together as a team and we have achieved Chuck every single time with very little change in personnel. (We hope to continue that streak, although we know it could get much harder if we brag too much!). Thanks to Munzee I now have worldwide friends, which, if we were ever to meet in person we will be able to get along instantly due to the common bond of Munzee. I also must say I like how the “Vardy Man” keeps adding new and exciting things to the game and how much he has transformed it over the last year. Thanks Rob!

What is on your wish list?

Besides Mysteries being a minimum of 10pts (Thanks Scott)?

(Editor’s Note: That’s some “monkey on your back there, Jay. May wanna lay off the Mysteries!)

I would like for the Franklin Munzee Bash to become one of the must go to events of the year and possibly a mega event. We are already making plans for April 18^th, 2015!

Tell us about yourself!

I am originally from Indiana and have lived in Tennessee since 1993 by way of Karlsruhe, West Germany (1987-1990). Professionally I am a computer consultant (Network Engineer, SQL DBA) that works with manufacturing firms all over the world. I work from home and have to travel about 25% of the time, which gives me plenty of opportunity to cap and deploy when in other areas. I am a Dad to three teenagers (a son 18, a daughter 15 and a step daughter 16) which makes life interesting every day. Was a Scout leader for many years until my son became an Eagle Scout in 2011. Am a Past Master and current secretary of Columbia Lodge #31 F & AM, Past High Priest Lafayette chapter #4 Royal Arch Masons, Past Illustrious Master Columbia Council #139 Cryptic Masons, Past Commander Columbia Commandery #35 Knights Templar and a member of the Knight York Cross of Honour (K.Y.C.H). Currently serving the Grand Lodge of TN as Director of the Hospital Hospitality House program. Current Webmaster for Grand Lodge of TN F &AM, Grand York Rite Bodies of TN and TN Knights of Pythias. I am also a member of the B.P.O.E. (Elks), a veteran of the U.S. Army and a founding member of the Middle TN Munzee club and recently became a volunteer to admin the Forums for MHQ.

Other hobbies include;

Other Geolocation games, computers, web development, FreeMasonry, Nashville Predators/ Pittsburgh Penguins Hockey, STL Cardinals Baseball.

Jay was awesome enough to share his social with us. Let’s show him some love and cap our appreciation for this week’s POTW!

-Please note, this is a super active campaign. We may not be able to get back to everyone, but you’re helping to grow the list of amazing people in the Munzee community!

May 15, 2014

Munzee Players of the Week, Derik Reed and Family!

Globally, Munzee is a network of players bound together by one simple thing, a love of the game, and passion to build our community with other like-minded people. Munzee provides us with an outlet to get outdoors, do something special with the family, see new sights, and make new friends. We’re all different, and we each have our own amazing personal story that makes us stronger, and makes this the most amazing group of players (and people) to be a part of. This week’s Players of the Week are no exception to this. The Reed Family (Derik, Kathryn, David and Julia), are near and dear to our hearts. Their love of the game and love of their son David resonate throughout the Munzee community. Today, we want to make them “shine” worldwide with all of you! Read below and get to know this week’s courageous Players of the Week!

1. Who are you? Let us know your “names” and introduce your Munzee family!

We are derikkathryn, Derik Reed, lilgeodave, and lilgeolia. My kids have their own accounts, at their request when we started playing together.

2. Where in the world do you live? We live in East Helena, MT, USA

3. How long have you played Munzee? (Derik) I began playing in January of 2013, 15 months ago.

4. How did you find Munzee? Did someone in your family “take” to Munzee first, or was it a passion shared amongst you all?

I discovered Munzee while overhearing it being discussed at an event of the other Geolocation-Game-That-Must-Not-Be-Named. I think they were actually making fun of it; I downloaded the app, and discovered that there were no more than a dozen in the area I was covering (including my home and Spokane, WA). It took me over a month to get to 100 points, as I had not discovered “armchair munzees” yet. My son David had been diagnosed with ALL, T-Cell Leukemia in October of 2012, and was living with my wife at the Ronald McDonald House in Spokane; munzee provided me with a needed distraction and activity (mostly deploying) while driving back and forth between here and there. My kids both have active accounts, and have played in clan battles with me, but mostly like to go on walks, and sometimes are ready to be done way before me!

5. What do you enjoy most about Munzee?

I enjoy the opportunity to get outside and exercise, the chance to meet new people with similar interests, including planning local events, coordinating strategic Munzee attacks so that our local clans can compete with the “Big Boys in Europe” and on the Coasts during clan battles.

6. How has Munzee impacted your relationship with your family, especially your children?

My family frequently munzees together, but I have way more drive than the kids. Our connections with others, especially while in Spokane, have been greatly augmented by Munzee and the other “Geolocation-Game-That-Must-Not-Be-Named”; also, my connections in that other game have triggered an interest in Munzee in Spokane, where the map has grown from just a few to over 5000 deploys in the last year. Also, another Munzer visiting Spokane capped some Munzees we deployed while walking to Riverfront Park from the Ronald McDonald House on Easter of 2013; she was so moved by our deploys that she made contact with my wife (at R.M.H.), and provided a significant amount of financial, emotional, and spiritual support while we were in Spokane! The people I play with have become close, personal friends, and their prayers and encouragement have been essential to our navigation of the last year. More locally, at a recent event in Helena, another player’s son, who is a survivor of childhood leukemia, was able to meet with my son. We are forging lifelong connections through this game!

7. What is on your wish list?

Most of my wishes have come to pass in the last year–i-nigma on the iPhone, locally planned events, better functionality for conversion and other functions within the app; but the greatest desire I have right now would be for some (or all!) of MHQ to come to one or more events in Montana and Spokane this summer! It would be an acknowledgement that we in the hinterlands are having an impact on the game!

8. Tell us more about your son’s treatment, and how the last 18 months have been for your family:

David was diagnosed with cancer on October 8, 2012, two days before his seventh birthday. He was in critical condition, and within hours of his diagnosis, he was life-flighted to Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital in Spokane, Washington. During the first eight months (the most intense phases) of his three and a quarter years of treatment, he and his mother were required to live in Spokane. The Ronald McDonald House of Spokane became their home away from home. Without the Ronald McDonald House and all of the support it offered our family, those eight months away from home, friends, and family would have been even more difficult. The House provided us a safe place to live, play, and interact with other families with children with significant health issues.

We moved home Memorial Day weekend of 2012, but we visit the Ronald McDonald House every time we’re in Spokane to drop off donated pop tabs and to visit; we will always be grateful to the staff and supporters of the House.

David’s treatment consists of five phases, four of which were completed while we lived in Spokane. The first four phases involved IV chemotherapy, intrathecal chemotherapy, oral chemotherapy and steroids, as well as full cranial radiation. The last phase of treatment requires daily oral chemotherapy, a trip to Spokane every four weeks for IV chemotherapy, and a trip to Spokane every twelve weeks for a lumbar puncture and spinal chemotherapy; this cycle is repeated until the end of treatment. David will complete his final chemotherapy and ring the bell as a childhood cancer survivor on January 18, 2016.

Team Munzee is proud to have the Reed Family as this week’s Players of the Week. The passion and strength they bring to their everyday lives and the game is an inspiration to us, and hopefully, an inspiration to you! We’d like it if the Munzee community could rally together and capture this very special Social we’ve deployed for lilgeodave:

A note from our President: The Reed family and their story have inspired Team Munzee. Coming very soon we will celebrate and honor their Munzee connection with the Ronald McDonald House of Spokane. Prepare for special charity gamepieces, icons, and badges. More information coming very soon!

Thanks so much for taking a moment to read this important Player of the Week Interview, and capturing this Social. Keep your eyes on the blog, and on our Social Outlets for the big announcement from Team Munzee. You can help make a difference in this world! “Expect the Unexpected” this 2014!

May 8, 2014

Munzee Player of the Week: Reimar Kuepper (ReMiKu)

Quiet, persistent, and amazing… Words to describe the world’s “#2” Munzee player, and the second player to ever hit 1 million points! Top spot on the leader boards isn’t anything to shake a stick at, and neither is this week’s POTW! We’re happy to honor one of the biggest international players, Reimar Kuepper, as Player of the Week! As we wish ReMiKu a Happy-Happy Birthday this week, let’s all get to know this unstoppable Munzee hunter through the interview below!

Who are you?

My Name is Reimar Kuepper but most people know my by my nickname ReMiKu.

Where in the world do you live?

In Cologne, North-Rhine-Westafalia, Germany. I’m proud that I can say in one the the Munzee capitals in this world 😉 Have a short look here:

How long have you played Munzee?

Today, as I write this, for 947 Days. It was the 4th of October in 2011. Feels like a few weeks ago.

How did you find Munzee?

I found an article in an online mag about app. Too sad that I don’t remember which one it was, I would love to have a copy of that article. I used to be interested in other scavenger hunts where you get dirty and stuff (somehow I don’t remember the name of that game anymore), so this article was pretty interesting. After downloading the app I saw that there were a few Munzees in my area. I kept it in mind and a few days later I did my first capture. Tough times back in the beginning when I drove miles for a single Greenie. As you can see in the Munzee Map of my Hometown that I don’t have to go very far now (but I still do) 😉

What do you enjoy most about Munzee?

Hmmmh…the first thing that comes into my mind is the “social part”. Interacting and communicating with other people through this platform/game is a great booster for me. The Clans, and the Clan Wars of course, completed this for me. We found a game where we can go together, have fun, create fields and have a little “after work” drink. The Clan where I belong to (Check out Clan Cologne here: http://www.munzee.com/clans/cologne/ ) is a collection of a weird bunch of people that enjoy the game as much as I do. Nevertheless lots of other players (and now friends of mine) in different cities, states or countries complete my “Munzee world”. And yes…..the game itself is also pretty catchy.

I almost forgot: Munzee events! Events are very cool! Of course I love meeting other fellow Munzers out there in the field, and definitely like meeting them at events. The last European Meeting in Cologne was a huge success and I’m thankful for the organization of that event that I have the possibility to meet so many other Munzers in one place. BTW…the next European Event is coming up and I (and lots of others) will be there as well. Please check this link for additional information: http://calendar.munzee.com/EuroEvent2/

What is on your wish list?

Because I deploy quite a lot of Munzees, I would love a organizing tool or a section on the Munzee website where I can have a better overview of my deploys (Editor’s note: Very Interesting Suggestion…Hmmmm…). Due to the amount of munzees I sometimes have to repair them and I would love to have a little online help to mark them and create some kind of “repair tours”. Also Statistics works great for finding out which Munzee has been frequented by who and how often etc… I surely want more badges…I really like the badge idea to earn something special. Can’t wait for territory badges like countries, states or cities.

Tell us about yourself!

Well….I’m 42 years “old” and addicted to this game. I really like to set goals for me and try to achieve them…in a easy and funny way. I’m surely passionate when it comes to achieving my Munzee goals, but fun ALWAYS comes first. I really like enjoying what I’m doing. If you’re in Cologne and need a little guidance…drop me a line on FB or thru the Munzee Messaging system! I’m glad to show you around or give you some additional info regarding my area.

Other hobbies include;

Travel, travel and sometimes travel. I really like to see new places and meet the people who live there. So always keep an eye open…you never know if I’m just around the corner 🙂

I would really like to thank the creators of Munzee for giving us such a fun game. In good times or bad, they push forward with their ideas and goals for Munzee, giving players the opportunity to play, and every day is a good Munzee day. Special Thanks of course to all the players in my Clan, my Area and my Munzee friends! Without you this game hasn’t been so successful to me as it is right now!

Even though today is all about you, ReMiKu, thank you so much for the kind words! Now let’s have everyone wish you a wonderful week by getting the Munzee community to capture your Social below!

-Please note, this is a super active campaign. We may not be able to get back to everyone, but you’re helping to grow the list of amazing people in the Munzee community!